Progress Thread Hoopty v2.0 - Back in action!

[hoopty5.0]

My wifes explorer has mysteriously stopped leaking. I check it daily and also check the dipstick and so far, it's been holding steady for a week or so. I'm going to let it go until it starts leaking again as I definitely dont want to do the work nor am I willing to pay for it at the moment.

 

[02 281 GT]

I don;t know why but i really like his engine teardown vids

I discovered them a couple weeks ago and can't stop watching. No cheesy intro music, no stupid editing tricks, just right down to business.

 

[bird_dog0347]

My wifes explorer has mysteriously stopped leaking. I check it daily and also check the dipstick and so far, it's been holding steady for a week or so. I'm going to let it go until it starts leaking again as I definitely dont want to do the work nor am I willing to pay for it at the moment.

Dude, trade it in ASAP.

 

[hoopty5.0]

Dude, trade it in ASAP.

My hang up is incurring extra debt with a recession impending. Any other time, Id go for it.

 

[hoopty5.0]

Well, the explorer is getting sent off to a mechanic today. $2,750.00 BUT it comes with a 3 year warranty on parts and labor.
Custom wheels are going to have to wait til the end of the year it looks like!

 

[General karthief]

I'm with you on fix'n what you got rather than going into debt right now

 

[02 281 GT]

Well, the explorer is getting sent off to a mechanic today. $2,750.00 BUT it comes with a 3 year warranty on parts and labor.
Custom wheels are going to have to wait til the end of the year it looks like!

Yeah. That does seem like the better option for the current times.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I'm almost tempted to pre-emptively change out the pump and chains on my Taurus. I was going to buy a new car, but decided to wait now. I just don't know if i should roll the dice, or just spend the money now when i can control the timing of having the car down

 

[hoopty5.0]

I'm almost tempted to pre-emptively change out the pump and chains on my Taurus. I was going to buy a new car, but decided to wait now. I just don't know if i should roll the dice, or just spend the money now when i can control the timing of having the car down

As far as I know, the water pump is the only issue these motors have.

 

[02 281 GT]

If nothing else, I would at least buy all the parts and/or tools now before inflation raises the prices on everything again and again.

 

[90sickfox]

I did the water pump on our Taurus about 6 years and 75k miles ago. Bought the special tools to lock the cams ( very cheap on amazon ) and did it in the car. Just took all the mounts loose and slid the motor and trans over to the drivers side. I used an engine support bar and lowered the passenger side of the k member. Wasn't too bad in the driveway. Heather refused to get rid of it. Dumped all the coolant in the oil and drove it atleast 5 miles like that. The 3.5 is no joke...just that dang WP. If you keep good chains and WP in them they last over 300k. Oh...don't forgetvthe transmission speed sensors. That's a whole nother engineering cluster fuc. Been there and done that too on her Taurus.

Almost forgot...I did have to use a puller / installer for the crank pulley and used zip ties for the stupid power steering stretch belt.

 

[hoopty5.0]

I just got a text saying it's done already.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Well that was quick.

 

[bird_dog0347]

That's good news!

 

[hoopty5.0]

"Well when you've done 10 of em in a row, it gets quick and easier. Everything looked good otherwise."

 

[Mustang5L5]

Great....common problem.

 

[hoopty5.0]

So in a week or two, I'm planning to drive the car to Huntsville, AL. Looks like a touch over 800 miles. My one job this week is to find a spare tire. I'm going to see if the one off my wifes explorer will work. Its a 5x114.3 pattern, and I hope that I can make it work with the Brembos in the front. They stick outboard a lot.

I've been driving the car around a lot and havent had a single issue, so I guess its as ready to go as itll ever be otherwise. Probably put it on the lift and do a nut/bolt check and start putting the tool bag together. Outside of a spare TFI module... any other oddball parts you can think of?

 

[bird_dog0347]

So in a week or two, I'm planning to drive the car to Huntsville, AL. Looks like a touch over 800 miles. My one job this week is to find a spare tire. I'm going to see if the one off my wifes explorer will work. Its a 5x114.3 pattern, and I hope that I can make it work with the Brembos in the front. They stick outboard a lot.

I've been driving the car around a lot and havent had a single issue, so I guess its as ready to go as itll ever be otherwise. Probably put it on the lift and do a nut/bolt check and start putting the tool bag together. Outside of a spare TFI module... any other oddball parts you can think of?

Maybe grab a spare belt as well as a small tool kit.

 

[General karthief]

A hand full of Qualudes (or whatever todays equivalent is) and a hand gun, you know, just in case.
Just say'n

 

[hoopty5.0]

Maybe grab a spare belt as well as a small tool kit.

I have a bag that pretty much has everything in it. Probablt bring a 4-way and a small jack also